Hotels in Ilhabela

Ilhabela: Waterfall-Laced Island off the São Paulo Coast

Ilhabela sits 87 km northeast of São Paulo city on the northern coast of São Paulo state, separated from the mainland by the Canal de São Sebastião, a 7 km strait crossed by frequent car ferries. The island covers 347 km² and holds more than 80% of its area inside the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, an Atlantic Forest reserve sheltering over 360 waterfalls. The main settlement, Vila Ilhabela, lines the calmer western shore facing the canal, while the wilder Atlantic-facing east coast requires a 4×4 or boat to reach.

Where to Stay in Ilhabela

Most hotels concentrate along Avenida Princesa Isabel in Vila Ilhabela and in Perequê, the neighbourhood closest to the ferry terminal. Pousadas (small inns) dominate the accommodation mix, ranging from beachfront rooms in Praia do Curral to hillside retreats near Cachoeira das Tocas. The high season runs from December to February, when São Paulo residents fill the island and rates rise sharply.

Practical Tips

• Ferries: Balsa crossings from São Sebastião run 24 hours; free for pedestrians, paid for vehicles.
• Roads: Only the western coastal road is paved; reaching eastern beaches like Praia dos Castelhanos requires high-clearance vehicles.
• Season: Shoulder months of April–May and August–October offer lower rates and navigable roads after rains ease.